About Canvas Dance Festival
A Celebration of Movement and Creativity in Bengaluru
The Canvas Dance Festival, proudly presented by Abstratics, is a vibrant and much-anticipated annual event held in the cultural hub of Bengaluru, India. This festival is dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the talents of young and emerging dancers, providing them with a unique platform to grow and shine. Canvas encourages artists to delve into a rich tapestry of dance traditions, seamlessly blending both Indian Classical dance forms and Contemporary styles. By doing so, it celebrates the diversity and depth of Indian dance culture while embracing modern creative expressions.
At its core, the festival is a space where dancers can freely express their personal narratives and artistic visions, connecting deeply with audiences through the universal and transformative language of movement. Rooted in values of innovation and inclusivity, Canvas stands out as a beacon of artistic freedom—encouraging experimentation, pushing creative boundaries, and fostering a supportive community for dancers to thrive. Whether it’s through traditional rhythms or contemporary choreography, the festival champions the continuous evolution of dance as an art form that reflects both heritage and the present-day pulse of creativity.
Two Annual Editions: Chota Canvas and Canvas
Canvas features two distinct editions tailored to different age groups and artistic stages. Chota Canvas Dance Festival, held every May, is designed for dancers aged 8 to 15. It provides a supportive and joyful space for young performers to showcase their skills through solo, duet, or group pieces, encouraging early artistic growth without competitive pressure. The main edition, simply called Canvas Dance Festival, takes place every November and is open to dancers above 15 years of age. This edition invites emerging adult artists to push boundaries, experiment with fusions of Indian Classical and Contemporary dance, and present innovative choreography on stage.
Canvas Dance Festival for Emerging Artists (Ages 16 and Above)
Taking place every November, the Canvas Dance Festival for artists aged 16 and older is a celebration of creative originality and bold expression. Whether performing solo, as a duet, or in groups, participants are encouraged to explore new movement languages, challenge traditional dance forms, and bring fresh narratives to life. Canvas embraces both Indian Classical and Contemporary dance styles equally, empowering dancers to develop their artistic voices and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of dance.
Chota Canvas Dance Festival: Inspiring Young Dancers (Ages 8–15)
Held in May, Chota Canvas Dance Festival nurtures the youngest talents with an emphasis on confidence-building and joyful exploration. Participants perform in solo, duet, or group formats, gaining invaluable stage experience in a welcoming, non-competitive environment. This edition encourages children to discover their passion for dance, experiment with both classical and contemporary styles, and express themselves freely, laying the foundation for future artistic growth.
Artistic Leadership and Vision
The Canvas Dance Festival is led by Karthik Tantri, Festival Director and Founder & Artistic Director of Abstratics, based in Bengaluru. With extensive experience in Contemporary dance and a deep love for Indian Classical dance, Karthik brings a unique perspective as a performer, choreographer, and educator. He ensures Canvas remains a premier platform for emerging artists to showcase talent and explore innovative choreography.
Karthik’s vision centers on dance as a powerful medium for cultural expression and storytelling. He is committed to creating an inclusive space where dancers of all levels can push boundaries, develop unique voices, and contribute to the evolving dance landscape.
Under his leadership, Canvas balances preserving India’s classical dance heritage with encouraging bold experimentation in contemporary styles. This approach has made the festival a respected and inspiring stage for dancers across Bengaluru and beyond, fostering creativity, collaboration, and artistic growth.
Join the Canvas Dance Festival Community
More than just an annual event, the Canvas Dance Festival is a growing movement that champions diversity, creativity, and artistic courage. With opportunities for soloists, duets, and groups across both age categories, Canvas invites dancers to step onto the stage, share their vision, and inspire audiences. Whether you’re a parent seeking a nurturing space for your child or an emerging artist ready to make your mark, Canvas offers a platform to grow, connect, and celebrate the transformative power of dance.
Take the next step in your dance journey—join us at Chota Canvas in May or Canvas in November in Bengaluru, India. This is your canvas—paint your story.
Find clear, concise answers in our FAQ Section
Have any questions?
To assist you efficiently, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the application process. This includes important details about eligibility criteria, application deadlines, performance requirements, and other essential information.
We encourage you to review the FAQ first,
as it provides thorough guidance and may address your queries without delay.
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